In a play perfect for children ages 4 and up, Imagination Stage brings back this musical comedy about the “worst behaved class in whole school” - the fifth graders of Room 207 at Horace B. Smedley Elementary School.

The unruly and spitball shooting students are so bad, even during story time, that their behavior drives their beloved and sweet Miss Nelson away. The next day, the appearance of the dreaded and not-so-sweet substitute, Miss Viola Swamp, changes everything.

Desperately trying to create an excuse for their teacher’s disappearance, they come up with several implausible stories, including a trip to Mars and a deadly shark attack. But later decide to engage in a mission to find and bring back their wonderful teacher, by hiring a bumbling detective named McSmogg.

Perhaps a bit predictable for the adults, kids are sure to smile at the silly, innocent and funny characters, as well as the discovery that the substitute teacher may not really be who they think.

Miss Nelson is Missing Imagination Stage - Lerner Family Theatre 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814 (map it)

Dates and Times - Weekends from November 22, 2008 - January 4, 2009 - Performance times - Saturdays and Sundays 12:30 & 3:30 p.m., with an additional show on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. Additional weekday matinees on Dec. 24, 26, 29–31, and Jan. 2, 2009

Tickets - $10.00 - $21.00 and are available by phone at 301-280-1660.

Nearest Metro Subway Station - Bethesda - Red line, then a ½-mile walk or take the free Bethesda 8 trolley to Auburn and Norfolk Avenues.

Parking - Free parking is available in the area.

Image - 5th grade class - Flickr _________________________________________________

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The harsh Australian climate means Australian men punish their skins more than their counterparts around the world. Yet too many still aren’t getting the message that good skincare is the secret to maintaining youthful good looks. And it feels fantastic! Mankind takes away the embarrassment by specialising in treatments for men. Your mates never have to know, although you might want to bring them along!

Mankind perform facials, pedicures, manicures, and a range of cleansing body treatments. Cap off your session with a massage. With a choice of sports, remedial, and relaxing massages, there’s something to suit all tastes and bodies. And yes lads, they do waxing. If you’re feeling brave front up for this hair removal treatment and just wait for the ladies to notice! Mankind has also just added a range of female services so the woman in your life can be pampered while you’re getting the royal treatment.

Mankind offers a fantastic loyalty program which should have you returning time and time again.

Trading hours: Open daily (women can only make appointments Monday to Thursday). 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 am to 8 pm on Thursdays, 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturdays, and 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays Location: Mankind Address: 425 Crown Street, Surry Hills Public transport: Catch the #393 bus from Central Station, or the #301 or #303 from Circular Quay to Crown Street Parking: Limited street parking available Cost: Services from $15 Website: http://www.mankind.com.au/

Image source: Ronald Schuster@ Stock.xchng

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Have you recovered from last week’s surprise of Marlon’s continued survival on the island of Koh Tarutao? I kept wondering why he as allowed to remain, in spite of his scheming ways. This is the week we’ll find out on Survivor Philippines .

We’re now on Episode 46, which aired on November 17, 2008.

The end of Day 26 in the Chalam camp came with Charisse pondering why Vern gave her the black pearl. Kaye said that she preferred Marlon to have received the pearl. JC also said that Charisse did not deserve it.

Around their meal that night, the topic of conversation was how Charisse would keep the pearl safe. Marlon laughingly asked Charisse if she thought he would steal it. Charisse simply said that he’s a bad person.

Charisse said that, though she was confused by Vern’s choice, she realized that she was never close to Vern, so she wasn’t hurt. Marlon was once again nervous about his survival, and wondered what his strategy was going to be.

Cris got the tribe’s treemail, which instructed them to practice throwing a spear so that it would stick upright on the ground. Charisse and Zita took turns practicing, before gathering snails for their meal. They talked about Marlon’s scheming so that the others would fight among themselves.

Marlon woke up to see that the others were already awake and the meal had been prepared. He tried out the spear and said that he has a good chance at it.

Good Food for Some

The reward challenge involved hitting a bullseye drawn in the sand. The rewards ranged from food that was really good to not so good:

Each castaway tried his best to hit the bullseye. For the first try, Cris was the closest to the bullseye. His reward was the power to choose who would eat what food. Cris chose the steak and rice for himself. Then it was #2 for Zita, #3 Kaye, #4 JC, #5 Rob. Before Cris chose who would get the salt or tamarind, Marlon said, “OK lang, bro, alam ko naman mangyayari yan, eh. May bago pa ba don?” (That’s OK, brother, I knew this was going to happen. Is there anything new?).

Marlon got the tamarind, and Charisse got the salt. According to Cris, Charisse was OK with getting the salt because she had tasted the other food before. They all sat down together to enjoy their prizes.

Karma

Upon their arrival at the camp, Cris worked to prepare their food, because Marlon and Charisse had not yet eaten. Marlon admitted that he felt angry at what happened at the reward challenge. Charisse said that Marlon had found out how hard it was not to have any friends in the tribe. She also observed that it was Marlon who played the game that way, for people to hate him. She said that it was karma.

Kaye said that, if ever she won a reward challenge, she would not pick Marlon, because she did not like his attitude. 

Survivor Philippines Fan Question: Is this the week that Charisse would vote against Marlon?

Chat Room: Feel free to discuss this episode in the comments section. We also have a Survivor Philippines Fans chat room for the show, and it’s open to all fans! You can also find the link on the sidebar.

Poll: Don’t forget to vote in our poll on who will win Survivor Philippines! The poll is on our sidebar and is updated after each week’s Tribal Council.

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You can keep your sand and your surf. For me nothing says summer like outdoor movies. For the third year, The Newport Arms will be showing some fantastic flicks on their outdoor cinema screen.

“Over the past few years open-air movies has become a growing a phenomenon and favourite pastime for Sydneysiders during the summer months,” said Mark Bayfield, Newport Arms Hotel. “In the 2008 season we have doubled the amount of movies and will be showing movies twice a week. The featured movies have broad appeal and there is something for everyone.”

The best part about it all is that it’s completely free. Head out for family-friendly fare on Friday nights or take that someone special to the later screening on Tuesdays.

Make sure you bring your picnic rug and arrive early so you can enjoy a meal from The Arms’ famous Garden Bistro.

Here are the films announced so far!

21 November 2008 - National Treasure: Book of Secrets 25 November 2008 - Forgetting Sarah Marshall 28 November 2008 - The Simpsons Movie 2 December 2008 - The Bourne Ultimatum 5 December 2008 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 9 December 2008 - Definitely, Maybe 12 December 2008 - Goal II 16 December 2008 - Candy 18 December 2008 - Santa Clause

Dates: Tuesdays and Fridays from November 2008 to January 2009 Times: Tuesdays at 8 pm and Fridays at 6 pm Location: The Newport Arms Hotel Address: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport Public transport: Take the #L87-#L90 buses from the city to the door Parking: Plenty of onsite parking Cost: Free Website: http://www.newportarms.com.au

Image source: Rodolfo Clix @ Stock.xchng

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We all like to talk about the latest adventures of the castaways on the island of Koh Tarutao. Whether it’s the difficulty of the reward and immunity challenges, the voting process, and even Marlon’s latest scheme, there’s always something to discuss with fellow fans.

So, I wrote this post to give us all a place here on Filipina Soul to express ourselves as fans of the show.

This is all about Survivor Philippines! I would love to know your thoughts about your favorite castaway (and yes, even host Paolo Bediones!).

If you have any questions, please email me (maricar at b5media dot com).

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Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the time you have with family and friends.  Its about really being Thankful for what you do have.  Before you go inside to sit down for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, it’s time to check out the Thanksgiving Day parade.  This parade actually originated many years ago.  It is said that is was to make everyone feel better because we were going through The Depression…..hmmm  sounds familiar.  This one did have a buyout attached to it.  I digress…

The parade begins and ends on State Street of course.  The beginning point is State and Congress and the ending is at State and Randolph.  There will be marching bands, celebrities and of course giant balloons.  The parade begins at 8am and will finish around 11am or so.  Bring the entire family out to see CM Punk (originally from Chicago) who is the Grand Marshal.  CM Punk is a popular wrestler, for those who do not know him.  He was also a former World Heavyweight Champion.

The Thanksgiving Parade will include Budweiser Clydsdales, Circus People, Tumblers, Flame Twirlers and of course Santa Claus. 

If you don’t want to brave the cold, you can stay in and watch the parade from WGN.

Check it out HERE

flickr:tuchodi

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But the highlight for everyone (especiallly the children) will be the stories told by Santa himself in his very own cozy living room, followed by special appearances by Christmas Elves or by the great Magician David Wilson.

flickr:keepitsurreal

The Festival of Lights will be running from December 5 until January 4 from 4:30pm til 9:30pm.

The VanDusen Botanical Garden will be closed Dec.25 Cost for addmission is adults $11; youth and seniors $8; children $6 or you can get a family ticket for $25.

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Wait a minute - did that last line read The Pink Pig? Now, what does that have to do with the holidays?

Actually, a lot; especially if you’ve spent some of your holiday season in Atlanta, Ga.

The Pink Pig, named Priscilla, is a loved icon of Atlanta. The ride debuted in 1953 at the downtown Rich’s store, and took children to a “new height” as they travel around the toy department. Retiring in the 90’s, Priscilla was brought back to the Macy’s Lenox Square Mall for the 50th anniversary.  Such a hit with the young and the old, she continues to offer rides every holiday season.

Okay, so the setting has changed. Instead of being inside of a department store, she has her own 170-foot themed tent, located at the Macy’s upper-level parking deck. No longer circling the roof, she now take riders on a journey through a storybook where they can meet some of her friends. And it’s not .25 anymore, but $3 (a portion of the fee is donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.)

You can’t leave without purchasing your own stuffed pink pig or other pink pig item so you can always remember your ride on this Atlanta favorite.

QUICK TAKEWhat: The Pink Pig at Macy’s Lenox Square

When: through January 4 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Where: in a 170-foot themed Pink Pig tent at Macy’s upper-level parking deck

Time: hours vary (PDF file)

Cost: $3 for one ride; $5.50 for two rides; $7.50 for three rides

tickets can be purchased at the ticket kiosk

you can also download a 2-for-1 coupon (PDF file) that’s good through January 1 (not valid for November 24 - 27 and December 22-25)

Tip: try to ride Priscilla early or late in the evening! The lines can get long in the afternoons and early evening

Photo credits: (top left) Pink Pig, Pink Pig, flickr, creative commons by rex libris; (top right) Pink Pig Baby! flickr, creative commons by hyku; (bottom left) Neon Up-Close, flickr, creative commons by hyku

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At the moment the service works with Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, Continental, and U.S. Airways, although more may be added soon as the service grows.

When you search and find the fight and airfare you’re seeking, Yapta then gives you the option to track both the airfare and the award seat availability on specific flights. At any point that a seat is available or the airfare is lowered, Yapta then sends and email to you.

That’s pretty darn handy!

Image: Flickr

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Jaemor Farms, 5340 Cornelia Hwy., Alto, has been established since 1981, but the Echols family who runs it has been farming here since 1929. They have a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, home-made cakes, pies and breads, local double-yolk and brown eggs and a number of jams and jellies. (In fact, that’s the way to find them on line – www.jamsjellies.com.) Manager Judah Echols says, “One of the biggest draws this time of year is the 14 varieties of apples that we have.”

That brings us back to whether you want a fresh-fruit fried pie (aka fritters) or a dried-fruit pie. Manager Stephanie Lewallen prefers the dried fruit filling. “That’s what I was raised on,” she says. “They’re a totally different texture from fresh.” She explains that those that contain fresh fruit are made with pastry dough, while the dried fruit pies are made with biscuit dough.

As for boiled peanuts, Stephanie says it pretty much is NOT something you acquire a taste for. “You either like ‘em or you don’t.” She cautions people who are trying them for the first time to set aside their ideas about peanuts, and think about them like pinto beans.

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A little bit about me - well, by day I run the Content Team at b5media, which coincidently happens to be right in the heart of Toronto near Queen and Spadina. I’m an avid amateur photographer and a lover of fine food, wine and music. Originally from all over the United States, I moved to Canada over ten years ago and (minus a two year stint in California) have enjoyed my home here ever since.

As the winter inches closer and closer, we’ll be putting on our mittens and paying special attention to all of the wonderful activities and events around the city…despite the chilly winds and inevitable snow. There is so much to explore - so let’s get started!

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Eat how the locals eat

Just like at home, exotic dishes tend to be more expensive.  In Europe, the cheapest meals will be the ones that are traditional and widely available.  In France, this means a shot of espresso is 1 euro.  A Starbucks coffee will be 2-3 euros.  In Spain, tapas– the small dishes you order at a cafe or bar, are often eaten as an inexpensive lunch.  In Croatia, a hamburger might set you back $7 but a traditional spit roasted dish is only a few bucks.

Supplement your meals with local markets

Not every meal needs to be eaten at a sit down restaurant.  For a quick lunch on the go, visit the market for fresh bread (a baguette is about 1 euro and huge), and whatever local cheeses, meats, pates, fruit, or olives that are available.  For 2-3 euros you can snack on a sumptuous assortment of local fare.

Try to find accommodation with a kitchen, if you can

Many hostels have kitchens, but you can also rent a furnished flat for the week, at the same price as most hotels.  The advantage is that you can cook many of your meals and still sample the local food.  Buy fresh pasta in Italy or a bottle of wine in France or German sausage or even salted fish in Sweden.  You’ll get to enjoy new dishes (don’t be afraid to ask how to prepare things– most butchers will happily give advice) and save a little on the way.

Skip the pricey items

When you do eat out, here are some higher priced items you can easily avoid.  Soda is usually twice as expensive as wine or beer.  Bottle water is too.  Instead ask for tap water and get it for free.  Don’t need the bread they serve before the meal?  Ask them not to bring it– if they charge for it (you’ll be surprised how often they do).  If you’re not too hungry, share an entree with a friend or order a couple of appetizers together (bonus tip: eat inside instead of on the patio to save a bit more–they charge more for patio seating, typically).

Find the Menu of the Day

This is called many different things depending on country, but set menu meals are typically much cheaper than a la carte.  Most will have a 3 course meal, with 2-3 choices for each course.  Find the most crowded place possible (a sign the food is good) and make sure they have a sign outside with their set menu.  Some of the best meals I’ve had in Europe have been menu del dia (as they say in Spain).

Ask!

After you get there, ask people where the best, affordable place is to eat.  You’ll be surprised at the hidden away places that have amazing food and cheap prices.  Plus it’s a great conversation starter, if you’ll looking to meet new people too!

Blow the budget (at least once)

If you have a dream to eat a particular dish or visit a world famous restaurant– do it!  Just plan this into your budget, and by being smart and eating cheaply, you can still have that gourmet experience.

What tips do you use to save on your food costs when traveling?

Creative Commons Pics:

Albany Tim, Joi, Son of Groucho, James Temple, Juan Pol

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The department suggests these “green” guest practices:

Image courtesy of Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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TravelDailyNews reports that The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) launched its green strategy

Jamble Magazine writes Hawaii launches green travel site

Greener Living Today writes about Green Family Summer: On the Eco-friendly Road

The Perpetual Tourist asks Are Luxury And Environmentalism Mutually Exclusive?

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And the taste is marvellous. The creamy flavour of the chestnut flesh, with the smoky taste of the crisped up skin where the peel has split and the flesh has begun to burn. It’s very different from the smoothness of marron glacé - candied chestnut; instead, it’s earthy and packs quite a punch. And you’ll be chewing away for a couple of minutes - the slightly floury, heavy flesh is not light-weight food.

The chestnut seller is a traditional London sight with his grimy little grill pan. You used to get your chestnuts in a little cone of paper; now you’re more likely to get a paper bag, but in every other respect the fare is just the same now as it was forty years ago.

There’s one guy outside the British Museum.  I remember one in Oxford Street, and one near Charing Cross. There also used to be a chestnut seller outside the Tower of London, though I didn’t see him last year - I wonder if he’s still there? And I think there’s a seller outside Harrods, too.

Roast your own

If you want to find your own, the park at Greenwich is full of sweet chestnut trees and you can forage for your supper. Hyde Park has  chestnut trees too.

Don’t confuse them with horse chestnuts though. ‘Conkers’ are round, and come in cases with little green spikes like a medieval mace - and they’re poisonous.  Sweet chestnuts, on the other hand, come in a case bristling with tiny little spines, like a hedgehog, are pointy and not round, and are very, very tasty.

Remember to cut a little X in the skin before you roast them, though. Otherwise, they can be explosive!

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Have you always wanted to spend the day swimming with the dolphins? To feel, to touch these magnificent animals is often a dream to many, but when you live or visit Florida, the opportunity is there to experience this firsthand. From now until December 15th, the Miami Seaquarium is offering a 30% discount to Florida residents.

The Seaquarium offers 2 different experiences at Dolphin Harbor, their 12,000 square foot, 700,000 gallon dolphin pool that is home 12 Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The first is titled Dolphin Odyssey. It is a 2-hour experience where participants are able to touch and feel the dolphins and learn where our fascination with dolphins stems from. Participants even have the opportunity for some deep-water interaction. The Dolphin Odyssey program costs $134 plus tax per person for Florida residents (regularly $199 plus tax).

The second is something new that is geared toward those that want the dolphin experience, but to a lesser degree or for those that are a bit younger. This program also lasts 2 hours, but instead of swimming with the dolphins, guests wade out into the pool and take part in a shallow water experience. Guests are able to feed and touch the dolphins, and take part in an educational seminar explaining how dolphins are trained among other things. Guests must be at least 5 years old. The Dolphin Encounter program costs $94 plus tax per person for Florida residents (regularly $139 plus tax). For children 5-9, the cost is $68 plus tax for Florida residents (regularly $99 plus tax).

For more information, call (305) 365-2501.

Photo Courtesy of Miami Seaquarium

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Selected by Playboy as one of the top five parties for New Year’s Eve in the country, and with an estimated 1,600 guests, this party  attracts singles, couples and groups of friends alike.

While most New Year’s Eve parties simply offer a band and cocktails, the 007 Around The World party offers multiple country themes rooms, where you can pretend you are your favorite Bond character on a mission. 

Are you the suave “Bond…Jams Bond”? Or the evil Goldfinger or Dr. No? Perhaps you are one of Bond’s famous femme fatales? Or does the character of the always charming Miss Moneypenny suit you better?  Whoever you select, you’ll be issued a “license to party”.

Need to brush up on your James Bond knowledge? Take the James Bond Trivia Quiz at the end of the post.

The party boasts:

Tickets include party favors - hats, tiaras and noisemakers, or bring your own.

Besides an 18-piece big band orchestra, select from DJs spinning in 4 internationally themed rooms - featuring musical styles from around the globe, including:

Click here for prior event photos.

New Years Eve James Bond 007 Around The World party Hilton Alexandria Mark Center 5000 Seminary Road Alexandria, Virginia 22311 (map it)

Date and Time - Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 8:30 p.m.

Tickets - $139 - $179 depending on when purchased and are available online.  Special discounted room rates are also offered.

Nearest Metro Subway Station - Van Dorn - Blue line, then a 3-mile cab ride.

Parking - Paid event self parking is available. 

Q1 - Can you name all six (or seven) actors played James Bond?

Q2 - When Bond drinks champagne, what’s his favorite? And at what temperature should it be served at?

Q3 - What was the first James Bond film?

Q4 - What does SPECTRE stand for?

Q5 - Which actor, prior to portraying James Bond, was a Navy sailor, a chorus singer, a milkman, and worked at a funeral home?

Q1 - Can you name all six (or seven) actors played James Bond? A - Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnon, Daniel Craig.  David Niven might be added to the list if you count the 1967 parody spoof Casino Royale.

Q2 - When Bond drinks champagne, what’s his favorite? And at what temperature should it be served at? A - Dom Perignon 1953, at 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q3 - What was the first James Bond film? A - Dr. No

Q4 - What does SPECTRE stand for? A - Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion

Q5 - Which Bond actor, prior to portraying Bond was Navy sailor, a chorus singer, was a milkman, and worked at a funeral home? A - Sean Connery _________________________________________________

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Location: Eastern Market Destination: Washington, DC Country: United States Year Taken: 2008

Photographer: Jon Rochetti Blog: The DC Traveler

Seen for sale at Eastern Market, an outdoor flea market in Washington, DC, this tee-shirt carries a photo of the front page of the Washington Post’s story reporting the election of Barack Obama. It was seen just two days after the 2008 Presidential election.  

To submit your destination or travel photo for consideration, please add your photos to the Flickr Travel Photo Daily group. 

Image - ©2008, Jon Rochetti _______________________________________________

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I don’t have any information except the name of the establishment – Trattoria 4 Leoni.

If anyone knows about this place, a comment would be greatly appreciated.

Do you have a matchbook from a favorite place?  I know that they are getting tougher to come by with all the smoking prohibitions, but chance are you’ve got one somewhere that you’re keep as a souvenir.

Share your matchbook, and a few words about where it comes from, with all the readers at Flyaway Cafe!  Just send me a photo of the matchbook, and I’ll feature it (along with a link back to you) on an upcoming Matchbook Monday.

________________________________________

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